CIU Dean Offers Solutions at National Conference on Prison Reform

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Columbia International University professor Dr. Scott R. Adams was recently a panelist on prison reform at the American Conservative Union’s Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Philadelphia Nov. 7th. The conference focused on contemporary issues in
the Prison and Criminal Justice System.

Adams is the dean of the Columbia International University’s (CIU) School of Business & Professional Studies. He  says prison inmates need to “think big and aim high” when they consider life after incarceration.

Adams says bringing business  and entrepreneurship programs into the prison challenges inmates to think big. He tells inmates to “Think about business, think about where you want to go, take the skills that you have, elevate your attitude, (and say) ‘I want to run a business, I want to hire people, I want to be a business owner.’”

Adams’ appearance at the national event opened the opportunity to discuss CIU’s work on two fronts: The
CIU Prison Initiative and Business Behind Bars.

The CIU Prison Initiative provides incarcerated persons with curriculum leading to an Associate of Arts
degree. Graduates of the program are re-located to prisons throughout South Carolina, where they serve
as chaplain assistants. This program has been incredibly successful, with a 0% recidivism rate. Business
Behind Bars educates incarcerated persons about entrepreneurship, leadership and management and
provides the skills necessary to grow and manage a successful business. The goal is to utilize the state-
funded vocational skills provided in prison and direct inmates into successful post-incarceration
enterprises.

Also during the panel discussion, Adams expressed his concern that female inmates are often left out of
the post-incarceration discussion, which drew applause from the audience.

“When they are released they have special issues and problems that men may not have,” Adams said.
What I’ve found in an entrepreneurial sense is that women are the most interested.”

Adams added that universities need to be incentivized into bringing courses into the prisons. “This can be done online,” Adams said. “It can result in entrepreneurial opportunities. Let’s make it so (former inmates) can set up thriving businesses, employ people and make a difference in society.”

Dr. Adams is a frequent lecturer at the USC Darla Moore School of Business, an advisor to the Christian Business Network, and counsels businesses throughout the world on management and leadership fundamentals, marketing strategy and regulatory compliance. In addition, he is Faculty Advisor to CIU’s Fellowship of Christian Professionals student organization.

 

 

Michael Reed is Editor of The Standard, a pastor, businessman and conference speaker.